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Derek Mullen has posted a very informative feature on a highly sensitive subject. I had to watch the video a few times to make sure an important point or three didn't slip by. His concern about the "echo chamber" and creator/viewer overlap certainly resonated with me. Ultimately, I was left asking if he's saying "pay the content creators and all else will work itself out?" Or that Facebook's model is permanently flawed and they are destined for failure?

My two cents worth: First and foremost, my opinion is strictly from the vantage point of a photographic artistic. I fully recognize that the complexion of this conversation changes dramatically when you consider straight "real life friends/family" interaction via Facebook.

What stood out to me was this. The feature mentioned "Babies" & "Weddings" -------- two very "local" service sectors involving photographers who, in my opinion, would likely benefit from a broader viewing audience that Facebook's current strategy offers "for a fee." No, Facebook hasn't hired me to promote their strategy. For quite some time, I've been curious why artists (photographers in particular) feel that "advertising" on Facebook would be FREE on a permanent basis. How often do any of us stop to recognize the width of our follower base generated via social platforms that touch every corner of the globe? And the fact that these platforms have never cost us a penny in promotional fees? Although you certainly are the creator of your content, Facebook created your audience, did they not? There must be some price to pay for that, no? Maybe we share the same curiosity? What is the right price to pay for Facebook going forward? Depends on your motive. If you're in it to feed your ego, you'll have to decide your ego's "financial diet?" If you're in it to sell prints and/or services, I suppose you spend some promotional dollars and weigh the resulting benefits, or absence of such. All things in moderation, I suspect FREE shall continue to be the going rate. If not, someone is always itching to fill the void. Think Google.

The Problem With Facebook

Michael McAreavy: +Jim Goldstein | A public 'thank you' for posting this feature via Facebook. As always, you keep us well informed. Cheers!